Word Origin & History

figure early 13c., from O.Fr. figure, from L. figura "a shape, form, figure," from PIE *dheigh- "to form, build" (see dough); originally in English with meaning "numeral," but sense of "form, likeness" is almost as old (mid-13c.). The verb meaning "to picture in the mind" is from c.1600. Related: Figured; figuring. Philosophical and scientific senses are from L. figura being used to translate Gk. skhema. The rhetorical use of figure dates to late 14c.; hence figure of speech (1824).

Example Sentences for figured out

Have you figured out what more horses, what further tools you'll need?

The stub of his blue pencil had not figured out a contingency like this.

In either event the time can be figured out, and inevitably it will come if the time is long enough.

He's figured out that's the most economic level of production.

We figured out that we could bake a quart pot of beans, using half a pound of pork to a pot, for less than twenty cents.

I suppose you've figured out where you're going to get the energy to power a ship like that?

We especially do not wish Jenny Warner to know or Gwynette, my sister, until we have figured out whether or not it would be best.

"We think we've figured out where Dunnan's base is," Renner said.

And Dr. Raymond was certain that the engineering can be figured out.

Evidently he had figured out what the search for Merlin was all about, too.